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Things To Do In Dallas

Christmas 2020

20 Things You Must Do In Dallas This December

D Magazine
By D Magazine |
Image
Courtesy of Venue

Queen Nefertari’s Egypt

Dec. 6–Mar. 14

Kimbell Art Museum

One of the most celebrated royals of ancient Egypt, “the one for whom the sun shines,” Queen Nefertari remained largely a mystery up until the early 1900s, when her tomb in the Valley of the Queens along the Nile was excavated by Italian archaeologist Ernesto Schiaparelli. The director of the Museo Egizio in Turin, Schiaparelli found that the tomb had been looted shortly after it was sealed, but he also discovered a rich testimony to history in its remaining contents, as well as discoveries from the nearby village of Deir el-Medina. Those objects, including jewelry, decorated vases, and fragments of Nefertari’s pink granite sarcophagus from 1250 B.C., will be displayed in this exhibition, organized by the Museo Egizio. The queen was the first and favorite wife of the pharaoh Ramesses II (who reigned from 1279–1213 B.C.), and her ornately painted tomb has been called “the Sistine Chapel of Egypt.” While not much is known about her, archaeological records have shown that she could read and write hieroglyphs, a skill she employed to aid the pharaoh in diplomatic work. That regal spirit is brought to life in the Kimbell’s exhibition, an exploration of the feminine power and extraordinary artisanship that shaped ancient Egyptian civilization.

North Pole Express

Through Dec. 23

Cotton Belt Railroad Historic District

The Grapevine Vintage Railroad creates a memorable holiday experience for the family with a magical ride in charming, Victorian-inspired 1920s coaches. The journey includes an onboard performance from Santa and his elves, a stroll through the North Pole Forest, and a tasty Christmas cookie.

Poets n’ Jazz

Dec. 4 & 5, 7 & 9 pm

Clarence Muse Cafe Theatre

The Black Academy of Arts and Letters offers two opportunities for an intimate evening of dinner, poetry, and mellow jazz this month, featuring spoken word artist CoCo Brown. You can purchase a $35 ticket for dinner and a show, beginning at 7 pm, or opt for a $15 performance-only ticket for the 9 pm show.

Carlos Guedes

Dec. 11, 7–10 pm

Cafe Madrid

Each month, Dallas-based, Caracas-born musician and composer Carlos Guedes brings his custom-made Venezuelan harp to Cafe Madrid for an evening of energetic, contemporary Latin jazz. There’s no cover, but you’d be wise to reserve a table to enjoy sangria and tapas while taking in the sounds.

SNOWDAY

Through Jan. 3

Galleria Dallas

Immersive holiday pop-up SNOWDAY blows in for its second year bigger and better. The Instagram-ready installation is taking over 5,000 square feet of the Galleria with snowy surprises and winter wonders. You’ll want to bring your own camera, but there are professional cameras and lighting integrated throughout.

Prairie Lights

Through Dec. 31

Lynn Creek Park

Grand Prairie’s grandiose Christmas lights display has a pandemic-friendly twist this year—the installation is designed to be enjoyed completely in-car to ensure a safe holiday experience. More than 4 million lights illuminate a 2-mile path, complete with a drive-thru concession stand and a huge light tunnel finale.

Ugly Christmas Sweater Party With Shane Smith & the Saints

Dec. 17, 7 pm

The Rustic

Grab your most heinous holiday knitwear and head to The Rustic for some cozy good tunes by Shane Smith & the Saints. Led by Terrell native Smith, the Austin-based country outfit released its third studio album, the slow-burning Hail Mary, last year.

Lone Star Christmas

Through Jan. 3

Gaylord Texan Resort

Like its previous iterations, the 17th annual Lone Star Christmas is an over-the-top holiday event for the whole family. This year there will be a massive, multisensory exhibition celebrating classic Christmas movies, an installation of holiday lanterns, a Build Your Own Snowman station with real snow, snow tubing, gingerbread decorating, and more.

Healing Pieces

Through Dec. 10

Sweet Pass Sculpture Park and Vicinity of Dallas County Criminal Court

This exhibition led by SMU Meadows School of the Arts’ Ignite/Arts Dallas program explores how urban planning and community development can transform a city. The program includes three installations: Black Power Naps Park/Parque Siestas Negras by Navild Acosta and Fannie Sosa at Sweet Pass Sculpture Park; Project Witness, an augmented reality experience (a collaboration with Campaign for the Fair Sentencing of Youth) that uses Google and YouTube; and the 2021 Healing Pieces Action Calendar by RISO Bar, curated by Sofia Bastidas Vivar.

Big Brassy Christmas and Organ Extravaganza

Dec. 15, 7:30 pm

Meyerson Symphony Center

What more swinging way to celebrate the season than with horns aplenty? Lawrence Loh conducts the Dallas Symphony Orchestra brass and percussion sections while DSO resident organist Bradley Hunter Welch brings some drama on the Lay Family Concert Organ at this one-night-only engagement.

Stoney LaRue

Dec. 5, 10 pm

Billy Bob’s Texas

After a few quiet years, Texas country star Stoney LaRue made a comeback with 2019’s Onward, a contemplative and introspective album, his first since 2015’s Us Time. The Red Dirt musician worked with Gary Nicholson to compose something a little darker and more complex for Onward, which features collaborations with Tanya Tucker and the McCrary Sisters.

Tab Benoit

Dec. 13, 7 pm

The Kessler

Louisiana-born-and-raised singer, songwriter, and guitarist Tab Benoit brings his gritty take on Delta swamp blues to Texas for the night, with special guests Whiskey Bayou Revue (named after the record label Benoit co-owns with Rueben Williams). The Grammy-nominated artist is renowned for his guitar skills and smoky voice.

Dallas Symphony Pops

Dec. 4–13

Meyerson Symphony Center

While the pandemic and necessary social distancing protocols have drastically altered the Dallas Symphony Orchestra’s season, the symphony’s beloved Christmas pops tradition lives on. Lawrence Loh conducts the DSO as it plays classical holiday favorites and singalong carols.

Sweet Tooth Hotel Holidays

Ongoing

Sweet Tooth Hotel

Immersive art gallery Sweet Tooth Hotel is bringing some Christmas fun to its venue this month with a winter wonderland installation in its bar, complete with seasonal cocktails. In addition to the gallery’s current fiber art exhibition, Intangible, there will be a special Christmas tree and holiday lights display on view for the holidays. It has also launched a new pop-up, Sweet Tooth “Motel,” a shipping container art installation that will pop up across North Texas through the month.

Vitruvian Lights

Through Jan. 3

Vitruvian Park

One of North Texas’ biggest holiday displays returns with more than 1.5 million sparkling lights wrapped around some 550 trees in Addison’s Vitruvian Park. The park will not host special events this year, but the lights turn on each day at 5 pm, offering a socially distanced way to embrace the holiday spirit with your family. 

This calendar ran in the December issue of D Magazine and included an event, Cocktails by Candlelight at Dallas Heritage Village, which has since been canceled due to the rise in COVID-19 cases.  

Aurora Presents: Area 3

Through Jan. 1

DalPark

While Aurora Dallas canceled its signature biennial in-person event this spring, the festival found a socially distant way to bring back immersive art experiences this year. In a downtown parking garage (1600 Commerce St., across from Neiman Marcus), Aurora is experimenting with a drive-thru art exhibition that aims to keep everyone safe while providing financial support to the artists and organizers through a shared profit model. Co-founders Joshua King and Shane Pennington called upon contributors from past editions of the festival—including neon artist Alicia Eggert, filmmaker Tramaine Townsend, choreographer Danielle Georgiou, musician Francine Thirteen, and a dozen others—to bring the vision to life. Timed tickets are available for $30 per car. Creating installations that connect with an audience stuck inside of a moving vehicle was a challenge. Unlike with traditional gallery settings or outdoor exhibitions, viewers can’t stop and get out for a closer look. But it was also an opportunity. The artists use the walls, floor, and ceilings as a 360-degree canvas, enveloping each passing car with artwork.

Nasher Sculpture Center

Ongoing

The Nasher has reopened with limited capacity and weekend-only hours. You’ll want to see the work of 2020 Nasher Prize Laureate Michael Rakowitz (through April 18), which explores the connection between current conflicts in the Middle East and the region’s ancient history; the neoclassical, high-tech sculptures of Barry X. Ball (through January 3); and Resist/Release, an exhibition including new acquisitions of work by Magdalena Abakanowicz and John Chamberlain (through January 17).

Live Jazz Under the Stars

Nov. 21, 6:30 pm

Lone Star Park Parking Lot

With concert venues shuttered, it’s time to look for live music in less conventional places. The Bishop Arts Theatre Center is presenting an alluring night of jazz, drive-in style, in the parking lot of Lone Star Park. The lineup features pianist Alex Bugnon, singer and pianist Vivian Green, saxophonist Marion Meadows, and saxophonist Kirk Whalum.

arboretum christmas
The Arboretum’s Christmas Village returns this month.

Holiday at the Arboretum

Nov. 7–Dec. 31

Dallas Arboretum

The Arboretum’s majestic holiday display returns this month along with a newly expanded Christmas Village. A dozen grand gazebos decked out with pear trees, French hens, and dancing maidens bring the iconic “Twelve Days of Christmas” song to life.

Parsons Dance

Nov. 20, 8 pm

Winspear Opera House

The Winspear Opera House reopens for the first time since March for a program from New York-based Parsons Dance. The contemporary company is known for its energy and athleticism. They perform here as part of the Winspear’s TITAS/Dance Unbound series.

Home for the Holidays

Nov. 27–29

Will Rogers Memorial Auditorium

The Fort Worth Symphony Orchestra is bringing its pops series to a larger venue to ensure social distancing while spreading holiday cheer. “Home for the Holidays” will bring 80 minutes of Christmas carols, a visit from Santa, and a snow flurry.

Queens of Soul

Nov. 13–15

Morton H. Meyerson Symphony Center

Broadway maven Shayna Steele and the Dallas Symphony Orchestra pay tribute to the greats of soul and R&B in this evening of nonstop hits. Conducted by Jeff Tyzik, they’ll be playing a royal set list of classics by Aretha Franklin, Tina Turner, Patti LaBelle, Gladys Knight, Nina Simone, Whitney Houston, Amy Winehouse, and more. (Tickets are currently available only to 2020–2021 subscribers.)

To Be Determined

Through Dec. 27

Dallas Museum of Art

Drawing on the museum’s vast collection dating back to the 13th century, as well as 13 new acquisitions of work by Dallas-based artists, this exhibition contemplates the significance of having close encounters with art after long periods of going without. The title is quite literal: the museum wants viewers to determine meaning on their own and form personal connections with the works. Admission is free, but timed tickets are required.

The Meyerson will present a smaller version of its holiday concerts this year.

Rockitecture 2020

Nov. 19

Virtual

The Dallas Architecture and Design Exchange moved its annual fundraising party online, adding a virtual tour and music to the silent auction. The event benefits AD EX’s public programs and scholarships, and in the process fosters a new generation of architects.

Grady Spencer & The Work, Blue Water Highway

Nov. 5, 7 pm

The Rustic

The Rustic’s Safe Sounds music series continues with socially distanced tunes from Fort Worth blues-country band Grady Spencer & The Work and Blue Water Highway, an Americana outfit from Lake Jackson, Texas. Tickets range from $15–$35 and seats are limited.

Puente Nuevo

Through Nov. 15

Amon Carter Museum of American Art

Commissioned last year for the reopening of the Carter after major renovations, this large-scale artwork by Justin Favela is inspired by the artist’s Mexican and Guatemalan heritage. The vibrant piece is made with the materials of a piñata and spans both walls of a museum hallway, wrapping the viewer in warmth and color.

Synthetic Aesthetic

Through Nov. 25

Art South Box

The Art South Box in Fort Worth’s Near Southside, an art gallery in a pink shipping container, is overgrown with a technicolor jungle by artists Mariell Guzman and Tyler Germaine. The pair created the site-specific installation, composed of artificial materials posing as flora, to explore humankind’s contradictory, sometimes parasitic relationship with nature.

Live Music at Revelers Hall

Nightly, 7 pm

Revelers Hall

In the past several months, live music has become a rare treat. At Revelers Hall, however, musicians are still taking the stage every evening. Check its Facebook page for the schedule, or try your luck and show up at the Bishop Arts District venue around 7 pm.

Reveler’s Hall. Photo by Bret Redman.

Texas Book Festival

Through Nov. 15

Virtual

The 25th anniversary edition of the Texas Book Festival will be held online, with live events streaming via Crowdcast. The wide range of acclaimed authors includes thriller king Dean Koontz, restaurateur David Chang, Go-Go’s bassist Kathy Valentine, novelist Jodi Picoult, and erstwhile D Magazine contributor Jamie Thompson. Also: Matthew McConaughey!

The Nutcracker

Nov. 27–29

Morton H. Meyerson Symphony Center

In the spirit of the season, the Dallas Symphony Orchestra will give the city the gift of a few performances of Tchaikovsky’s beloved Christmas ballet, conducted by Andrew Grams. (Tickets are currently available only to 2020–2021 subscribers.)

Remy Reilly

Nov. 8, 3 pm

Granada Theater

Reilly may only be on the cusp of 17 years old, but she has been claiming her stake in the Dallas music scene for a few years now. With a natural talent for songwriting and an ethereal voice, she’s one to watch. She’s playing a free show on the Granada’s new patio stage; no tickets required.

Movies in the Park

Nov. 14 & 21, 6 pm

Klyde Warren Park

It’s the year of outdoor cinema, and Klyde Warren Park is prepared to create the perfect “backyard” movie night, complete with food trucks. The Lego Movie screens on November 14, followed by Harry Potter & the Chamber of Secrets on November 21. There are no reservations, so arrive early to claim your spot on the lawn.

All Tea, No Shade

Saturdays, noon

The Free Man

The Free Man’s new weekly drag brunch series, started by Dallas-bred, New York-based musician Dezi 5, features some of the city’s most prominent queens serving piping hot tea and drop-dead gorgeous looks. Depending on the schedule, you can expect to see Dallas’ “Blondetrepreneur” extraordinaire Bleach or RuPaul’s Drag Race All-Stars Kennedy Davenport.

Collections in Conversation

Ongoing

Kimbell Museum of Art

Upon reopening and rearranging its exhibition schedule this summer, the Kimbell in Fort Worth looked inward for inspiration. The current exhibition on view highlights selections from the museum’s rich permanent collection displayed within the Louis I. Kahn Building.

Nature’s Art—The Mineral Beauty of China

Through Sep. 6, 2021

Perot Museum of Nature and Science

As an interactive museum, the Perot had to make some major adjustments to reopen safely. Luckily, hands-off exhibits can be just as engaging. “Nature’s Art—The Mineral Beauty of China” showcases 70 beautiful and rare specimens of colorful rocks.

Synthetic Aesthetic

Through Nov. 25

Art South Box

The Art South Box in Fort Worth’s Near Southside, an art gallery in a pink shipping container, is overgrown with a technicolor jungle by artists Mariell Guzman and Tyler Germaine. The pair created the site-specific installation, composed of artificial materials posing as flora, to explore humankind’s contradictory, sometimes parasitic relationship with nature.

Live Music at Revelers Hall

Nightly, 7 pm

Revelers Hall

In the past several months, live music has become a rare treat. At Revelers Hall, however, musicians are still taking the stage every evening. Check its Facebook page for the schedule, or try your luck and show up at the Bishop Arts District venue around 7 pm.

With Dallas County’s coronavirus risk level back at red, indicating that we should “stay home, stay safe,” our public health officials say trick-or-treating is not a smart or safe way to celebrate Halloween with the kids this year. Bringing together buckets of candy and excited children is a surefire way to spread germs. As much as we love a good fright, health scares are not the thrills to be seeking this spooky season.

“Unfortunately, it’s not going to be safe this year for kids to go door-to-door trick-or-treating,” says Dallas County Judge Clay Jenkins. “Kids are excited, they’re breathing heavy, they’re sweating, they’re all sticking their hands in the same bucket to get candy. It’s a recipe for a super-spreader event. We don’t want our kids going back into schools–if they’re choosing in-person learning–and getting everyone sick.”

Dr. Casey Drake of Pecan Tree Pediatrics also advises against going door-to-door this Halloween.

“In general, I would advise against trick or treating as we know it,” she says. Drake understands that some people will do it anyway.  “If offering treats, I would prepare individual treat bags. If your child collects treats, wipe them down and/or let them sit for a couple of days before opening.”

The best way to keep your family safe is to stick around your own haunted house. Try setting up an Easter egg-style scavenger hunt for candy in your home or backyard. Coordinate with the neighbors and have a contactless costume parade. Carve a jack-o-lantern (here are some tips), or give little kids markers or paint to decorate pumpkins.

If you are going to go out, here are some safer alternatives to neighborhood trick-or-treating.

Trunk or Treat at Dallas ReStore

Dallas Area Habitat For Humanity is hosting trunk-or-treat events for families at its four Dallas Restore locations on October 31 at 3 p.m. to 5 p.m. Candy will be safely distributed and physical distancing rules will be enforced.

Drive Boo Halloween

The American Airlines Center Silver parking garage is now haunted and open for business. The drive-thru haunted house, presented by iHeart Radio, is a contact-free way to spend the holiday with your family. For a scarier experience, upgrade to VIP and venture to the top floor–if you dare. The house is open weekends through the end of October. Buy tickets here.

Trick or Tweet with Sour Patch Kids

The candy brand is having a Halloween giveaway in Dallas on October 31, and you could be one of the lucky recipients of a free, contactless candy delivery. To enter, head to the brand’s Instagram or Twitter between 1 p.m. and 7 p.m. and follow the rules (provided on each account). Winners will receive a trick-or-treat bucket filled with candy and toilet paper (to TP your living room with).

Hole-oween at Another Round

Indoor mini golf course Another Round is celebrating Halloween from October 23 to October 31 with Halloween-themed holes, trick-or-treating stations, and seasonal cocktails for the grown-ups. Reservations are required.

Brains and Baking

The Teach For America DFW Parents, Teachers, and Alumni group is hosting its first virtual family gathering on Friday, October 30 at 6 p.m. The Halloween-themed event includes a baking class with Stephanie Leichtle-Chalklen of Kuluntu Bakery and a lesson about the brain from social emotional health expert Michelle Kinder. The class is free, but you’ll need to have ingredients on-hand to participate. You can make a donation to Teach for America DFW here. Register for the Zoom event here.

Trick or Treat on Lowest Greenville 

Businesses on Lower Greenville celebrate spooky season on Saturday, October 31 with a Fall Festival and trick-or-treating party. All shops and restaurants with orange balloons at their doors will be handing out candy for children, and other businesses will offer specials and sales. For a safer trip, you can also pick up Halloween-themed treats to-go from Joy Macarons, or order a Greenville Avenue Pizza Company Halloween pie topped with Nutella, candy corn, marshmallows, M&Ms, and Heath bar pieces.

We’re a few days out from the official start of autumn, and while the temperatures still spell summer, the fall season has already kicked in for many Pumpkin Spice Lovers. Leaves are turning yellow, the Texas heat is letting up, and the Dallas Arboretum’s miniature village made of gourds is assembled. It’s fall, y’all, and it’s time for some safe and seasonal fun. 

The Dallas Arboretum’s 15th annual pumpkin installation, The Art of the Pumpkin, is on view September 19 through November 1. The elaborate display is anchored by four 20-foot-tall pumpkin houses, surrounded by more than 90,000 decorative pumpkins, gourds, and squash, along with 150,000 autumn flowers. The spectrum of golden and orange hues almost makes up for Dallas’ lack of fall foliage. 

The Arboretum’s herb and vegetable garden, known as A Tasteful Place, is also participating in the fall festival. Expect weekly cooking along with floral and horticulture demonstrations. Live bands play in the garden every weekend afternoon. 

Check the calendar for upcoming special events: September 20 brings an Oktoberfest celebration with complimentary beer samples, local and traditional food vendors, and live music. 

The Dallas Farmers Market has fully shifted into fall mode with a big pumpkin patch and bushels of seasonal produce. The Shed is filled with more than 25 pumpkin varieties hailing from Floydada, in West Texas. The patch will stay up through Halloween, open Monday through Thursday from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. and Friday through Sunday from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. You’ll also find locally-sourced apples, tasty baked goods, and more supplies for a fall feast. Arrive early in the day for the best selections. 

The Blase Family Farm in Rockwall is opening its pumpkin patch by appointment only this year to encourage social distancing and prevent crowds. The family-friendly farm opens to the public from September 26 to November 1 with a large variety of pumpkins to purchase, a petting zoo, a hay maze, hayrides, and children’s story time. Tickets are $9 per person and must be reserved in advance. 

Just west of DFW Airport in Grapevine, Hall’s Pumpkin Farm and Corn Maze opens for the season on October 2. The farm has a big pumpkin patch with different sizes and varieties of gourds for sale, plus scarecrows, haystacks, a vintage tractor, and farm animals available for photo ops. The farm also offers a legit corn maze (the one at Blase Family Farm is geared toward kids) that spans two acres and stands nine feet tall. There are also hay rides on Wednesday and Friday through Sunday. At Hall’s Pumpkin Farm, each activity requires a separate ticket–hay rides are $3 to $5, the maze is $5, and admission to the farm is $3 to $5. The farm is a cash-only business. No professional photography or outside food is allowed. 

Shadow Creek Pumpkin Farm in Midlothian combines the pumpkin patch experience with some fair-inspired fun. In addition to tons of gourds, a corn maze, hay rides, farm animals, and autumn photo ops, there are games and activities like the hay bale jump, the giant pumpkin jump pad (an orange, 2,500-square-foot trampoline contraption), hay hill slides, pumpkin bowling, and more. Visitors are welcome to bring their own food and refreshments, but there are also concessions available for purchase. All the activities are included in the $10 tickets. The farm will be open Saturdays and Sundays through November 1. Cash is preferred; MasterCard and Visa are accepted. 

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Hand Lettering by Wildflower Art Studio

Class: $55 | Kit: $65

This dreamy art studio in Denton has sold 50,000 of their beloved creative kits to date; now, they’re offering online classes to accompany them. Once you register for this hand lettering course, you’ll have lifetime access to online resources like video demos and written guides.

Beginner Watercolor by Oil and Cotton

Class and Kit (Local Pick-Up): $55 | Class and Kit (Shipped): $65

Oil and Cotton’s approachable art classes will help you master the basics of watercolor technique. Each workshop has a different project; you might paint a rose garden, a Mediterranean landscape, or a Monstera leaf, to name a few. Have your kit shipped or pick it up at Oil and Cotton’s Oak Cliff location.

Flower Power Hour with RAOFACTOR

Class and Supplies (Free Delivery): $100

Luxury floral designer RAOFACTOR is now offering intimate virtual courses for just 10 students at a time. You’ll receive 30 stems of bright blossoms and greenery to craft an avant-garde arrangement in real time over Zoom.

Wildflower Art Studio

Intro to Gouache Painting by Wildflower Art Studio

Class: $45 | Kit: $45

Gouache (rhymes with squash, if you were wondering) is like a combination of watercolor and acrylic, and Wildflower Art Studio says it’s a great medium for beginners. For your first project, you’ll paint a monarch butterfly that will be pretty enough to frame, whether you’re a painting newbie or seasoned crafter.

Wine and Design Workshops by The Iman Project

Class and Supplies (Local Pickup): $75+

The Iman Project’s workshops were created to give everyone a seat at the table, and though the events are now virtual, founder Bree Clarke still manages to foster a sense of community via video call. Sign up for a Wine and Design class to receive everything you need to design a bold bouquet, as well as a bottle of Texas-made Boca Chica Wine. Keep an eye out for The Iman Project’s new national workshops. The supplies–including the live flowers–can be mailed, so the class makes a great gift for far-away family members.

Candle Kits by M.A.D Candle Co.

Kit: $40+

Craft your own soy wax candle with these DIY candle kits. Choose from several types of vessels, from matte to metallic, then select an essential oil blend to add fragrance. Want to take your DIY-ing to the next level? The company also offers a deluxe starter kit with 12 vessels, 5 scents, and 5 pounds of wax.

We will say this over and over and over: wear a mask in public, stay six feet from others, and avoid anywhere you can’t. Outdoors is safer than indoors. There is no such thing as a risk-free public outing and Dallas County is still advising you to stay home, stay safe. We have had a full week of daily increases of 1,000 or more coronavirus cases.

And yet things are starting to open in North Texas. Be careful and take precautions. Here is how some of the early risers are opening up.

Editor’s note: These event listings are taken from our Things To Do page, which also includes a number of things to do at home while practicing social distancing. See the full list here

Thursday, June 11 

Sandaga 813 celebrates its grand reopening this weekend, starting with Soul Jazz Thursday featuring Natural Change. Doors open at 8 p.m. and there’s a $10 cover.

The rooftop pool at Canvas Dallas is open to the public again. You can stop by for cocktails and skyline views from noon to 11 p.m. Pool passes are $20 for weekdays.

The Rustic is celebrating the end of the school year with Parent Appreciation Night this Thursday from 3-10 p.m. There will be $5 frozen drinks all day and tunes from Field Day Records starting at 6 p.m.

The Architecture and Design Exchange is hosting Buck Johnston and Camp Bosworth of Marfa’s Wrong Store for a conversation about the beloved west Texas arts hub. The event will be streamed on the ADEX Facebook page at 4:30 p.m.

Friday, June 12

Charles Smith II and other local creatives are coming together to present Freedom Part 2, a fashion show, visual demonstration, and protest. The event will unfold at the JFK Memorial at 8 p.m.

Interactive art gallery Sweet Tooth Hotel is reopening with Intangible, an exhibition featuring the textural work of fiber artists from Dallas (Molly Sydnor, Niki Dionne, Alli Koch, Jackie Lawrence) and beyond. In an effort to prevent the spread of COVID-19, the museum is no longer allowing visitors to touch the art, and no more than 10 people can enter at a time. Choose a time slot and buy tickets here.

Dallas TRHT (Truth, Racial Healing & Transformation) is hosting a Facebook Live conversation, Dallas Community Against Racism, at 10 a.m. Watch it here.

David Bowie cover band the Thin White Dukes plays Lee Harvey’s on Friday night around 9 p.m. There’s no cover.

There’s a protest rally and march starting at the Martin Luther King Jr. Community Center on Friday at 3 p.m. Find details here.

Saturday, June 13

The Boho Market is back at the Dallas Farmers Market this weekend starting at 10 a.m. The pet-friendly event has live music and no cover charge.

There’s a protest, Standing Up For Black Lives, at Reverchon Park starting at 1 p.m. From 3-6 p.m., a variety of Black-owned food vendors and grassroots organizations will join others at the park for the Potluck Protest, which you can read about here.

The Dallas Alliance Against Racist & Political Repression is hosting a protest, Dallas Day of Action to Stop Police Crimes, on Saturday at 4:30 p.m. at Santos Rodriguez Park. 

It’ll Do Club is reopening on Saturday night with Red Eye DJing. Doors open at 9 p.m., masks are encouraged, and tickets must be purchased in advance (they’re $5).

Sunday, June 14

Erin Cluley Gallery is hosting an open house for its new exhibition, Bugged Plant Drawings, by Nic Nicosia. The artist will be present for a meet-and-greet from 2-5 p.m. RSVP through Facebook messenger or email [email protected]. Masks are required and capacity will be limited.

United Justice League is hosting a march and rally, We Will Breathe, starting at Klyde Warren Park at 2 p.m.

Acoustic pop duo Danni and Kris are performing with a full band at Deep Ellum Brewing Company on Sunday at 1 p.m. 

Editor’s note: This list is taken from our Things To Do page. For the full weekend schedule, click here

If you’re going to get out there this weekend, do it for a worthy cause. There are protests against systemic racism and police brutality happening across DFW throughout the weekend. The locations and times of these gatherings are subject to change, so check this Instagram page for up-to-date info before you go. Here are some tips for staying safe at protests. Remember to wear a mask, eye protection, and gloves to prevent the spread of COVID-19, and to protect you from tear gas.

Friday, June 5

Friday brings a Blue for Black Lives Matter protest at the Jack Evans Headquarters at 11 a.m. There will be a Youth Unified Rally at Dallas City Hall at 12 p.m. In Fort Worth, protestors are gathering at 100 E Weatherford Street at 6 p.m. There’s a march to Garland City Hall from Garland High School at 6 p.m. There’s a gathering at the Richardson Public Library at 5 p.m. 

Saturday, June 6

PrayingTogether has a peaceful protest at Klyde Warren Park from 10 a.m.-1 p.m. The Dallas Cyclist Community will be going on a silent group ride protest from Dallas City Hall at 11 a.m. Later that afternoon, the Dallas Stand Up For Justice event will take place in Belo Garden Park from 2-4:30 p.m. Fort Worth has an art protest on West 7th street from 3-8 p.m. There’s also a Black Lives Matter protest at the Arlington Police Department at 5 p.m. 

Sunday, June 7

Sunday at 11 a.m., there is a Praise and Worship gathering in Downtown Dallas at 133 N. Riverfront Blvd. At the same time, there will be a National Injustice Peaceful Rally at the Jack Evans Headquarters. There will be a Dance Protest on Sunday from 3-7 p.m. at the JFK Memorial Plaza organized by DFW Dance Club.

There are protests in the Denton Downtown Square each day at 2 p.m. and 6 p.m.

If you’re not able to attend a protest, you can still make a difference at home. Demand justice for Breonna Taylor. There’s a virtual Dallas City Council meeting on Friday at 2 p.m.–you can sign up to speak here. Support the new campaign 8 Can’t Wait, which asks local police departments to enforce eight basic policies, which could reduce police violence by up to 72 percent. The Dallas Police Department only uses four of the eight currently. You can read about that and get in contact with Mayor Eric Johnson here–just click ‘Dallas’ on the drop-down list.

 

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Social distancing doesn’t have to mean missing out on springtime. Digital Dallas Blooms, the Dallas Arboretum’s new virtual tours, are offsetting the self-quarantine blues by bringing bright blooms into the homes of North Texas residents.

Dave Forehand, VP of Gardens at the Arboretum, is hosting the virtual series, leading viewers through all 66 acres of the Arboretum’s grounds.

As Forehand walks through each garden, he highlights specific trees, flowers, and plants, like the Siberian Iris and its myriad colorful petals or the bur oak tree that can also be planted in viewers’ own yards.

In the Paseo de Flores, colorful tulips have begun to blossom, and Forehand explains why tulips don’t all bloom at the same time. During the Lay Family Garden tour, a beautiful waterfall provides calming background noise, ideal for some at-home meditation or quiet reflection time.

The Arboretum has also expanded its educational resources. Daily STEM lesson plans are perfect for kiddos who are curious about plants and animals, and the corresponding activity sheets are helpful for parents-turned-teachers. And while Rory Meyer’s Children Adventure Gardens is closed, a series of instructional videos show parents how to recreate its lessons from the comfort of a home or backyard garden.

Learn more about the Dallas Arboretum’s virtual tours here.

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